When you land in Udupi, the popular temple town in Karnataka, take a local bus ride to Malpe. Here you will find a jetty, where ferries leave every 15 minutes to St. Mary’s island. Only the localities take it for their business. But if you happen to accept the ride on a whim, you will be transported through space and time, and taken on an island, that is often compared to the Andamans.
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Crystal waters, huge granite rocks, white sand and rows of palms. It really feels magical to step on this hidden island, veiled by the waters from plain sight.
The island, also known as the coconut island, is so small, that you can walk across in 20 minutes. But it is an enchanting piece of land, in the middle of the Arabian Sea. Seashells and other marine residue stud the white sand, and it feels like the Milky Way rests on your feet.
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Strangely shaped rock formations stand near the island and lend a mystical air to the surrounding. The tall, vertical rock formations, made of basaltic lava, have interested geologists. These rocks were formed by volcanic activity at the time when the country of Madagascar was attached to India, and they drifted apart much later when the gap was filled by an ocean between the two countries.
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The island has no inhabitants and is bereft of any hawkers, food joints or any other commercial venture making it all the more alluring. It has a verdant green cover, and you can hear the different chirps and coos of the birds. It is indeed isolated and cut aloof from the crowded world.
You can also visit the Kapu lighthouse near the vicinity from where you board the ferry. You can also visit the fishermen’s market in Malpe for a unique experience. Ferries run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. And they are suspended in rainy weather. Malpe is 7 km from Udupi and 65 km from Mangalore.
So, if you feel like going on an exploratory adventure, then St. Mary’s island, with its charming beauty and untold mystery, should be your next destination.
